The sophomore leap

[pacific 44]

People often talk about how a player finishes their freshman year,sit down with the coaches after the season and are told what they should work on during the off season. This is supposed to be the best year to year improvement of their four year career. What i am interested in is input from others here about our four second year players. Is 9 games too early to tell or would we already know if they are better than last year? Jmho but i haven't seen a big difference from last year. It is early and i'm hoping to see this sophomore leap. when we get into league games.

 

[HuskieDawg]

While I tend to agree with your assessment I think you have to wait about 15 games or so and see what things look like then. Give the team a chance to play easy games, hard games, in league, out of league and then see what things look like.

 

[ctkaiser]

I think KK showed well in the Notre Dame game. She might have earned some more minutes. Ashlynn was disappointing. I think over the next few weeks the minutes will get sorted out but could depend on matchups. It's still a long way to go. After seeing how well Azzi played it was hard to watch the team not play it's best without her.

 

[Next 12]

My assessment is last year they KNEW they were going to start every game and played with confidence and spirit. What I have seen in the 9 games this year is the confidence is not there. They seem to be looking over their shoulders at GENO and are Unsure of their play. My solution is when UCONN gets fully into the BIG East schedule and play "normal" teams, they will gain their confidence back and gain their vitality back. The Sophomores have not lost that many games in their short careers, so I guess each loss or impending loss might have some thing to do with their slow start. This team is destined for greatness and we will have to be patient and let it happen. The thing UCONN has going for them is " they are UCONN" GO FRESHMEN!!!! GO SOPHOMORES!!!! GO HUSKIES!!!!

 

[RockyMTblue2]

Anyone can have a stinker and I'm sure hers stung Ash a good deal. Let's hope she rights her ship. She showed us last year she has far more than potential. Geno is good at pumping a player back up and I think Ash will come around and be fine. The free throws thing, 330th or lower, is a big puzzle and does not bode well in the BE schedule.

 

[JellyBean]

For me, when I hear folks talking about the "Sophomore" leap/jump/growth, I look at the program, where that player ranks in the pecking order of things, and how they are utilized within that program's system. I think for our sophomore group, 9 games is plenty of time to offer a suggestion on the growth or lack thereof, and our sophomore group are playing well and making decent progress, given what they are allowed to do or can do out there on the court.

 

[cohenzone]

Anyone can have a stinker and I'm sure hers stung Ash a good deal. Let's hope she rights her ship. She showed us last year she has far more than potential. Geno is good at pumping a player back up and I think Ash will come around and be fine. The free thows thing, 330th or lower, is a big puzzle and does not bode well in the BE schedule.

Yes. Going by individual. l games to draw general conclusions is not the way to go.

 

[Bigboote]

For me, when I hear folks talking about the "Sophomore" leap/jump/growth, I look at the program, where that player ranks in the pecking order of things, and how they are utilized within that program's system. I think for our sophomore group, 9 games is plenty of time to offer a suggestion on the growth or lack thereof, and our sophomore group are playing well and making decent progress, given what they are allowed to do or can do out there on the court.

I agree. Geno says Ash and KK have grown. I believe him; he sees what fans don’t see and what fans can’t see.

 

[ERWUC65]

Anyone can have a stinker and I'm sure hers stung Ash a good deal. Let's hope she rights her ship. She showed us last year she has far more than potential. Geno is good at pumping a player back up and I think Ash will come around and be fine. The free thows thing, 330th or lower, is a big puzzle and does not bode well in the BE schedule.

Like you I am hoping for more from Ash, but I believe her pattern of folding in the pressure games is such that she has lost favor with Geno. This pattern, 13 against Louisville, 0 against ND seems similar to last years NCAA tournament where she had 26 against Jackson State, 19 against Syracuse followed by 0 against Duke, 5 against USC and 5 against Iowa. She is in great condition and plays hard, but seems to lack the confidence to match up with the ability.

 

[RSHERMVIKES]

Our Sophomores will continue to improve in leaps and bounds to UConn's 12th title!

 

[oldhusky]

Looking at their stats overall more on a per minute basis, there has been little change with Ashlynn or KK's (PER) stats but components have changed. Ashlynn has played more aggressively on defense, getting more steals for example, but the overall numbers haven't budged much. KK has done much better with the assist to turnover ratio, but has scored less so her overall numbers aren't significantly better either.

Q has regressed but in so few minutes it is not conclusive, and Ice has improved on scoring efficiency which i knew would happen, but that has only lifted her to more like OK, from a disappointing first year.

I had hoped that one or two of them would make a big sophomore leap from good to very good, but thus far that has not happened, although it still could. The confidence argument when you go from starting to the bench is an interesting point, but what i am most disappointed by is that Ashlynn and KK had to play heavier minutes last year than ideal, and i fully expected their per minute production would be better this year when they could get rest when they needed it.

 

[RockyMTblue2]

Our Sophomores will continue to improve in leaps and bounds to UConn's 12th title!

Smart, avoided the dreaded Nan heartbeat meme! Though I found it boosted my spirits.

 

[hoopsfan22]

Season is 1/3 over already so if there's gonna be a sophomore leap it's gotta happen soon.

 

[JoePgh]

I see a significant sophomore leap in Ice, who is less foul-prone, more composed, and takes better shots than she did as a freshman. Geno says she plays better defense, but I can't say that I've watched her D enough to affirm or deny that.

In the case of Ashlynn and KK, I think that the normal sophomore leap that you would expect is offset to a considerable degree by the fact that they are playing fewer minutes (more so of KK than of Ashlynn). I think KK's 3-point shooting difficulties are directly tied to her limited minutes -- if she played more, she would probably find the range on those shots.

 

[Zonepress]

I am sure the three sophomores hopefully have improved from their freshman year
How that translates to games may be a bit different
Ice seems to have improved
Well, KK and ash seem like the same players they were last year which to me is great as they were starters on a team that went to the final four
Perhaps peoples expectations for these players is higher than it should be
I think a lot of this comes fro reliance on high school rankings
To me, all three players are good college players, who are complementary players Some thing that every team needs
All that being said, KK imho could be more than a complementary player if she could consistently shoot from three point Range

 

[Cuango]

I’m hoping Allie is working hard on her defense because she has something we really need. She, though she has not shown it yet on the court, is an elite three point shooter! I think she could shoot 40%+ from three before it’s all over. The question is, how long will it take to earn enough minutes from Geno for her to demonstrate that? Will it be this year or next?

 

[Vowelguy]

I think we've seen sophomore leaps but also sophomore slumps. Recall Aaliyah's lost year in 21-22?
CW also struggled her soph year.

 

[Rowdy831]

Both played a ton as freshmen so I doubt you will see that much of a change in game. I expect bodies to get stronger, better understanding of the offense and defense but all these players are good BB players coming into the program. To me I don't see Ash as a 3pt shooter and when that is what Geno wants her to shoot I think it is setting her up to struggle. Struggles in big games weigh on you way more than they do in games you win regardless.

To me KK hasn't developed the mental side of the game to a point where she can run the team. If she grows in that area I see a time when she replaces the minutes currently given to KC. Azzi being in the line up help a lot too and they also have a couple others who may contribute who aren't available right now.

 

[EricSD]

I think all the sophomores have improved, but just not as much as the fans would have liked. And some of it IMHO was correctly pointed out as a byproduct of playing SO many minutes last season that we basically saw a fair bit of improvement over the course of the season, so any leap this year will be minimized a bit by how much they grew and played last season.

Ice is a little better - a little more fit and mobile, better decision making as well as moving without the ball, and her assists seem better. But her 3 point shot is still a crapshoot, and her scoring PPG has decreased as the season has progressed which is a mystery to me. Your starting center shouldn't be averaging under 6 PPG, and only 4 PPG in the last 6 contests...

Ash is definitely more fit and physical, but she will never be an elite defender or athlete. Her inconsistencies have plagued her this season - she takes good shots that are open, but some games can't hit the basket to save her life.

KK plays with pace and speed, her defense last game against Ransom was spot on, and she managed to hit a 3 pointer, but her outside shooting is dreadful - 9% for the season.

I thought Q was poised to make the biggest jump. She's still a gazelle-type athlete (long, lean, bouncy, slender), but she's not harnessed any of that. She was a decent/solid shooter last season and that's the same this season. A couple of her drives to the basket have been highlight reels, but she's still an adventure on defense and I'm just not seeing what she's appreciably better at this season.

 

[DefenseBB]

Both played a ton as freshmen so I doubt you will see that much of a change in game. I expect bodies to get stronger, better understanding of the offense and defense but all these players are good BB players coming into the program. To me I don't see Ash as a 3pt shooter and when that is what Geno wants her to shoot I think it is setting her up to struggle. Struggles in big games weigh on you way more than they do in games you win regardless.

To me KK hasn't developed the mental side of the game to a point where she can run the team. If she grows in that area I see a time when she replaces the minutes currently given to KC. Azzi being in the line up help a lot too and they also have a couple others who may contribute who aren't available right now.

Honestly, I have no idea how you or anyone could make that assessment as her role with the starting unit was taken by Kaitlyn Chen. KK has a better assist to turnover ratio, provides better on-ball defense and is driving more effectively to the basket in the last 3 games and is why she played 30 minutes in the ND game vs. Hidalgo. Her outside shooting has been dreadful but I am not sure if that is bad luck which leads to a lack of confidence, which leads to a hesitancy to shoot or if it is mechanical.
When she is with the first unit, she runs the team just fine. Of all the 4 sophomores, her game has been the most consistent when playing the mid-majors and the P4 schools. Ash, Ice, Q and Chen all have a more noticeable drop off in their efficiency scores than KK.

Geno has been playing KK more with Paige and Chen to use Kaitlyn more as a scoring threat than distributor which I think she is better suited. Overall, I am much happier of late with KK's minutes and results on the floor than the others save Paige and Sarah.

 

[cgshuskie]

I agree with Cuango. I hope that Allie progressed a lot this year. We really need her three point shooting, to back up Azzi. Could be key.

 

[cgshuskie]

I think KK's shooting problem is mechanical. Seems that she shoots a line drive type shot and she needs more arc! I think it's a problem of needing a mechanical fix and tons of practice. Her entire career is locked up in whether or not she develps a reliable shot. If she does, WNBA, if not; non basketball job.

 

[hookshot]

Honestly, I have no idea how you or anyone could make that assessment as her role with the starting unit was taken by Kaitlyn Chen. KK has a better assist to turnover ratio, provides better on-ball defense and is driving more effectively to the basket in the last 3 games and is why she played 30 minutes in the ND game vs. Hidalgo. Her outside shooting has been dreadful but I am not sure if that is bad luck which leads to a lack of confidence, which leads to a hesitancy to shoot or if it is mechanical.
When she is with the first unit, she runs the team just fine. Of all the 4 sophomores, her game has been the most consistent when playing the mid-majors and the P4 schools. Ash, Ice, Q and Chen all have a more noticeable drop off in their efficiency scores than KK.

Geno has been playing KK more with Paige and Chen to use Kaitlyn more as a scoring threat than distributor which I think she is better suited. Overall, I am much happier of late with KK's minutes and results on the floor than the others save Paige and Sarah.

bad luck ?

 

[ERWUC65]

Honestly, I have no idea how you or anyone could make that assessment as her role with the starting unit was taken by Kaitlyn Chen. KK has a better assist to turnover ratio, provides better on-ball defense and is driving more effectively to the basket in the last 3 games and is why she played 30 minutes in the ND game vs. Hidalgo. Her outside shooting has been dreadful but I am not sure if that is bad luck which leads to a lack of confidence, which leads to a hesitancy to shoot or if it is mechanical.
When she is with the first unit, she runs the team just fine. Of all the 4 sophomores, her game has been the most consistent when playing the mid-majors and the P4 schools. Ash, Ice, Q and Chen all have a more noticeable drop off in their efficiency scores than KK.

Geno has been playing KK more with Paige and Chen to use Kaitlyn more as a scoring threat than distributor which I think she is better suited. Overall, I am much happier of late with KK's minutes and results on the floor than the others save Paige and Sarah.

KK serves her role perfectly, that role being a pest on defense, especially against elite point guards. She also occasionally uses her speed and drives on offense to score. That said, however, she in no regard is the player to run the team, especially the first unit. Geno has tried her in blowouts with the second unit and she struggles. We really do not have an experienced player at that position unless we use Paige and that detracts from her ability to get free to score. Right now using Kaitlyn and KK alternately is the best alternative until Azzi is back or perhaps even Morgan in the future.

 

[oldhusky]

I see a significant sophomore leap in Ice, who is less foul-prone, more composed, and takes better shots than she did as a freshman. Geno says she plays better defense, but I can't say that I've watched her D enough to affirm or deny that.

In the case of Ashlynn and KK, I think that the normal sophomore leap that you would expect is offset to a considerable degree by the fact that they are playing fewer minutes (more so of KK than of Ashlynn). I think KK's 3-point shooting difficulties are directly tied to her limited minutes -- if she played more, she would probably find the range on those shots.

I think you raise some interesting points, and I do believe that there are some players that cannot get comfortable in limited minutes. but on balance considering all factors, I think the reduction in minutes for Ashlynn and KK should help not hurt their per minute production.

They are still getting enough minutes to get in a groove IMO, because it is not like they are playing mop up minutes. My main reasons are out of necessity both had to play heavier minutes last year, sometimes when they were tired and probably not at 100%. This year they can be all out all the time. In addition they will be playing a higher percentage of their minutes against other teams bench players than last year.

But I can think of one other factor on your side of the argument, and that is that some players play nervous because they feel they may get yanked after their first mistake. Last year Ashlynn and KK knew they would start and get major minutes whether they were having a good game or not, or in spite of a mistake or two. This year they have a much shorter rope, and Geno has multiple in game options.

Having said that, I still think all things considered, per minute stats should get better with a rested role of the bench vs. playing heavier than ideal minutes for most players, but every situation and player is different.

 

[Majic Hands]

Like you I am hoping for more from Ash, but I believe her pattern of folding in the pressure games is such that she has lost favor with Geno. This pattern, 13 against Louisville, 0 against ND seems similar to last years NCAA tournament where she had 26 against Jackson State, 19 against Syracuse followed by 0 against Duke, 5 against USC and 5 against Iowa. She is in great condition and plays hard, but seems to lack the confidence to match up with the ability.

Your comparison base on the numbers matches my memory for Ash and the big games.

However, I would never assume anyone has lost favor with Geno. I think Ash is still being coached hard so all is well.

 

[huskyd]

People often talk about how a player finishes their freshman year,sit down with the coaches after the season and are told what they should work on during the off season. This is supposed to be the best year to year improvement of their four year career. What i am interested in is input from others here about our four second year players. Is 9 games too early to tell or would we already know if they are better than last year? Jmho but i haven't seen a big difference from last year. It is early and i'm hoping to see this sophomore leap. when we get into league games.

KK is much better. She has calmed down enough to make her moves count instead of rushing ahead with wild passes and missed lay-ups. I used to dread seeing her come into a game, now I look forward to the energy she brings. We really need a speedy penetrator, and KK fills the bill.

 

[Longtime fan]

People often talk about how a player finishes their freshman year,sit down with the coaches after the season and are told what they should work on during the off season. This is supposed to be the best year to year improvement of their four year career. What i am interested in is input from others here about our four second year players. Is 9 games too early to tell or would we already know if they are better than last year? Jmho but i haven't seen a big difference from last year. It is early and i'm hoping to see this sophomore leap. when we get into league games.

Why the League games? They are like easy practices and show little, other than polish what was already there. A real leap would have KK hitting threes with regularity and posting 20 pts per game. Or ICE with double doubles every time out. Or "Q" forcing coach to give her 18-20 minutes per game, due to defense, rebounding, and making a high % of her shots. Finally, it would be ASH being consistent in her "A" game, no matter who the opponent. With the limited sample, so far, I think the sophomore leaps have yet to emerge.

 

[MooseJaw]

Both played a ton as freshmen so I doubt you will see that much of a change in game. I expect bodies to get stronger, better understanding of the offense and defense but all these players are good BB players coming into the program. To me I don't see Ash as a 3pt shooter and when that is what Geno wants her to shoot I think it is setting her up to struggle. Struggles in big games weigh on you way more than they do in games you win regardless.

To me KK hasn't developed the mental side of the game to a point where she can run the team. If she grows in that area I see a time when she replaces the minutes currently given to KC. Azzi being in the line up help a lot too and they also have a couple others who may contribute who aren't available right now.

Rowdy, we are seeing a different KK. Last year I was critical in a few areas of KK's game. Most of the areas in her game I didn't like have been corrected. She is making better passes, she is rarely over penetrating now. I believe that Geno bringing her off the bench this season will improve her game. I don't look to see her status change much unless we have players forced to sit due to injuries. I am starting to enjoy her game, something I did not expect to say.

 

[The CDR-Ret]

I agree. Geno says Ash and KK have grown. I believe him; he sees what fans don’t see and what fans can’t see.

Proven correct tonight! That happens a lot around here!!!

Ash said she likes the moniker of "Atomic Dawgs!!"

Good call Bigboote!!!